Miracle Escape: PS Ng'eno Cheats Death in Horrific Kericho Helicopter Crash
A Kenya Forest Service helicopter carrying PS Festus Ng’eno and four others crashed at Kericho Golf Club, but all five occupants miraculously survived. Witnesses reported multiple troubled take-off attempts and mechanical struggles before the incident. Authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Kenya’s Environment Principal Secretary Festus Ng’eno survived a helicopter crash at Kericho Golf Club on Monday, October 12, after a Kenya Forest Service aircraft went down shortly after take-off.
The helicopter, registration number 5Y-FSK, was carrying Ng’eno and four other people. No deaths were reported, although occupants sustained injuries and received medical attention.
The aircraft was badly damaged, with parts of its tail section separating from the main body. Kenya’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Department confirmed that an investigation had begun to establish what happened.
Witnesses describe repeated take-off attempts
People at the golf club said the helicopter appeared to experience difficulties before the crash.
John Kebaso, a caddie who witnessed the events, told The Star that the aircraft landed before passengers boarded. He described a series of movements and attempted take-offs, with the helicopter struggling to gain height.
Another witness, Alex Koech, said the pilot and ground crew had spent time trying to start the aircraft before it eventually lifted off. He also described the helicopter returning to the ground during earlier attempts.
The aircraft later rose into the air but came down shortly afterwards, leaving wreckage scattered across the golf course.
These accounts provide details of what witnesses saw, but they do not establish the cause of the crash.
Investigation underway
Ng’eno was taken to hospital for medical attention and was later transferred to Kisumu, according to local media reports. The pilot was also reported to have sustained injuries.
The Kenya Forest Service confirmed the aircraft’s involvement and said the area had been secured as investigators prepared to examine the incident.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Department’s initial update identified the aircraft as an AS350B3e operated by the Kenya Forest Service. It said investigators had been deployed to collect evidence.
Although heavy rain was reported in the area, authorities had not established whether weather, a technical fault or another factor contributed to the crash.
The investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the failed take-off and the damage to the aircraft.